Doing the Dolphin Yoga Pose

If
you are seeking a yoga pose that targets all of the major muscles, Dolphin yoga pose is
your new best friend. Dolphin pose is a forward bend as well as an inversion,
which adds many fitness and mental health benefits.

Forward bends are great for stretching the lower back and hamstrings, both playing large roles in dolphin. Inversions require core strength, which can be improved through the use of dolphin pose.

Dolphin Yoga Pose

Regardless of where you go from dolphin, simply holding the pose for 5-25 breath cycles will significantly increase your strength and flexibility. Dolphin pose can be a difficult pose for many, If this is the case, start by holding the pose for 5 breath cycles, gradually working towards 25.

Pose Instructions:

Begin on your hands and knees at the center of your mat. Align knees with hips and wrists with shoulders.

Keeping them aligned with your shoulders, lower your elbows to the floor. Your forearms should be parallel on your mat.

Use caution if you suffer from excessively tight hamstrings. The amount of flexibility you have in your hamstrings will, for most improve with consistent stretching.

It is common for the elbows to slip away from one another, making it to difficult to balance. Try placing a strap around your upper-arm bones, locking them in place. Or squeeze a block between your hands by making an L-shape with your thumb and pointer finger.

Once you are comfortable with the dolphin pose, you may work your way into forearm stand. It is recommended that beginners keep the strap or block in place until they are no longer needed in the pose.

Adding
strength and flexibility aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. Practitioners
have also reported improved memory, concentration, stress levels and relief
from chronic back pain.

Women
suffering from menstrual discomfort can count on dolphin pose to relieve some
pain. Similarly, holding dolphin pose can improve digestion. Difficulties with
sleep can also be enriched through the use of this pose.

Dolphin Yoga Pose

The dolphin yoga pose serves as a preparation for entering forearm balance and other inversion poses. Mastering this pose can help you to build the confidence trying other inversion poses. The dolphin is a great in-between pose.

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